Thomas Tucker, a Maidu born at Big Meadows (now Lake Almanor) in 1895 and moved to Susanville at an early age, where he was raised by his aunt and uncle Cap and Emma DeHaven. He first attended the Greenville Indian School, where he excelled in his studies. He was noted for his gifted vocals in singing, as well as his athletic abilities. When the U.S. entered World War I, he enlisted. On the fateful day September 28, 1918 he was killed in action in France, becoming the first casualty from Susanville in the War. His comrades held him in high esteem and when the local American Legion Chapter was formed in 1920, it was named in his honor, Thomas Tucker Post No. 204. In 1940, a tree was planted in his memory at the Lassen County Courthouse, and a small marker placed with his name.

His remains were brought back from France in 1921, like so many others then, and a funeral service was held on September 25, 1921 at the Susanville Cemetery. The American Legion was instrumental and placed a fitting monument. However, decades of grime and water stains build up and I am happy to report that his marker has been polished Thank you Carolyn Shelley for an outstanding job. Tomorrow, I will provide tips to clean these monuments.

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